Edmund Barton was born in Sydney and became one of the early graduates of the University of Sydney. He practiced as a lawyer before entering the Legislative Assembly in 1879 and became speaker in 1883.

The economic depression of the early 1890s confirmed his commitment to the idea of a national government which could apply Australia-wide solutions to such problems as defence and trade policy.

He was a leading figure at the federal conventions held during the 1890s and toured New South Wales promoting popular support for Federation. He was also a key figure in drafting the federal bill.

After the first federal election in 1901 Barton was able to form a government and he was sworn in as Australia's first prime minister and minister for external affairs. During his term much of the new federal machinery of government was put in place. He retired in September 1903 after been appointed a Justice of the High Court.

He remained on the bench until his death, ruling on the constitutional validity of much of the early federal legislation and generally judging so as to promote a balance between federal and state power.

He was knighted in 1902.